Who is Christopher Blackmon? Appointed Osceola County sheriff amid Marcos Lopez arrest, suspension
Interim Osceola Co. Sheriff speaks to FOX 35
Christopher Blackmon, the interim Osceola County Sheriff, speaks with FOX 35 for the first time since Sheriff Marcos Lopez's arrest Thursday morning.
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - Marcos Lopez was suspended as Osceola County Sheriff on Thursday after he was arrested on racketeering and conspiracy charges related to an alleged illegal gambling operation.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on Thursday removing Lopez as sheriff. DeSantis appointed Christopher Blackmon, Central Region Chief for the Florida Highway Patrol, to serve as interim Osceola County Sheriff.
Both the suspension and Blackmon's appointment were effective immediately.
Osceola County sheriff arrested in alleged gambling operation
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez was arrested on charges related to racketeering on Thursday morning, according to officials.
Who is Christopher Blackmon?
What we know:
Photo of Christopher Blackmon (Credit: FHP Orlando)
Christopher Blackmon serves as chief of troops, overseeing Florida Highway Patrol's Troops C, D, and K in Orlando, Tampa, and the Florida Turnpike.
He was promoted from Major to Chief in December 2023, according to an X post from FHP Orlando at the time. He oversees more than 850 FHP troopers and 95 civilian employees.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Blackmon has worked in law enforcement for more than 30 years.
He also leads immigration-related operations across all 67 counties in Florida, according to DeSantis' executive order.
In his free time, he volunteers with groups like the Special Olympics, Clermont Little League, and Make-a-Wish. He has a college degree in Homeland Security from Vincennes University.
Christopher Blackmon speaks with FOX 35
What they're saying:
Interim Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said the agency was "in shock" after former sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested on racketeering charges. He said his immediate goal is to ensure OCSO's deputies and staff that this is not an agency-wide issue, but a specific issue that Lopez has to deal with.
"They were in shock, initially," he said, adding that
Marcos Lopez arrested: What we know
Sheriff Marcos Lopez arrested by Homeland Security Tampa
New video released by Homeland Security Tampa shows Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez after he was handcuffed and placed under arrest Thursday morning.
In 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) launched an investigation into an alleged criminal organization that was operating an illegal gambling business throughout Central Florida.
The complaint specifically mentions operations in Lake and Osceola counties.
According to the complaint, Marcos Lopez and at least four others – Ying Zhang, Sharon Fedrick, Sheldon Wetherholt, and Carol Cote – owned or operated a million-dollar social club in Kissimmee that allegedly ran illegal games, including a lottery and slot machines.
Investigators allege the business generated more than $21.6 million.
According to the complaint, the illegal business was in operation as early as 2019 and until at least 2024. FOX 35 teams went to the business address on Thursday. It appears that the building is being renovated for a restaurant.
Lopez was also cited for unlawful compensation or reward for official behavior as this business allegedly operated while he was serving as Osceola County sheriff. He was also cited for disclosure or use of confidential criminal justice information, alleging that in August 2023 – as sheriff – he disclosed privileged information to potentially impede or prevent an investigation, according to the complaint (Page 8).
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The Source: The information in this article comes from the criminal complaint filed against Marcos Lopez and others; statements from HSI Tampa; Gov. Ron DeSantis' executive order issued June 5; online court records; and FOX 35 reporting.